- July 15, 2025
My Journey Through Nursing School: Setbacks, Comebacks, and Success with WIOA
My journey through nursing school was far from a straight path. It was filled with challenges, moments of doubt, and ultimately, resilience. I learned that setbacks can set the stage for comebacks, and that with the right support—like the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) program—success is not just possible, but achievable.
When I first started nursing school, I was full of determination. I had a clear vision: to become a nurse, make a difference in people’s lives, and provide stability for myself and my family. However, nursing school proved to be far more demanding than I anticipated. Balancing coursework, clinicals, and personal responsibilities took a toll on me. Halfway through, I faced academic struggles that shook my confidence. I failed one of my core classes, then failed out of the PL-BSN program completely which delayed my graduation. It felt like everything I had worked hard for was slipping away.
That period was one of my lowest points. I remember sitting inside of the teacher’s office crying, pleading, and begging for another chance to stay in the program. After she stated, “it was nothing she could do,” I remember leaning on God for my ultimate strength. He opened doors and made pathways for me in my wilderness. I could have considered giving up when all the odds were against me, but I could not let go of my dream. God promised me that I was going to become a nurse. He gave me instructions, and the first one was to go back to working as a CNA, taking the Teas test, applying for schools, and getting accepted into the ASN program. It was during this time I discovered the WIOA program. After enrolling in WIOA it was an absolute turning point for me. Ms. Freeman from MGCI was heaven sent. She was as precious and graceful throughout the whole nursing process. Not only did the program provide financial assistance for tuition, nursing materials (stethoscope, shoes, uniform, gas) and exam fees, but it also offered career counseling and supportive services that helped me refocus and get back on track.
With WIOA’s support, I returned to school with a new sense of purpose. I retook the class I had failed, passed it with A’s, and completed my nursing program as of May 2025. Then came the NCLEX, the final hurdle. It was intimidating, especially with the weight of my previous setbacks in mind. But I prepared diligently, using resources such as ATI, Archer, and WIOA. When I finally passed the NCLEX, it felt like a personal victory that validated all my hard work and persistence.
The most rewarding part of my journey came shortly after: I secured a position in the Surgical Trauma Intensive Care Unit (STICU). It was more than just a job—it was the opportunity to apply everything I had learned and contribute meaningfully in a high-acuity environment. Walking into the STICU for the first time as a licensed nurse felt surreal. It reminded me how far I had come—from setbacks in nursing school to passing the NCLEX, and now, working in a field I’m passionate about.
Reflecting on my journey, I am especially grateful for the WIOA program. It was the bridge that helped me move from doubt to confidence, from failure to success. My experience taught me that the road to becoming a nurse isn’t always smooth, but with resilience, support, and the right resources, it’s possible to overcome even the biggest challenges.
Today, as I care for critically ill patients in the STICU, I carry with me not just clinical knowledge, but the life lessons I learned through my journey. Every patient I help reminds me why I never gave up. I advise everyone to consider WIOA. It’s the best thing that happened to me and if it were not for the help of them, I would not be here testifying the goodness of WIOA.
